Habitat for Humanity

Habitat people came over to our company today to do a briefing. Even though we have been raising money for them, there was a nagging feeling within me, somehow wasn't very convicted about their work. But I am really glad that I clarified with them some doubts I had today. One of the questions that I asked was, why build houses for the poor? Of all things that people need, houses seem a bit secondary to basic needs. The reply was that they find that sometimes, having a house also means that other areas of a person's life fall into place. Very often with a house, the poor also start having stable jobs and their kids start getting education. It's like one of the basics that people need. Something that we may never understand cos we always take for granted having a place to live in. Also, Habitat works closely with World Vision and other NGOs to help meet other needs of the poor.

Another question, why send people over there to build houses, when we have no expertise and money can be used much more effectively if we just sent money over? The answer was on how much more a person gained when he went there- starting to look at price tags before they purchased things. Furthermore, an example was given of a grp of women who went to Papau New Guinea. In that village, only men worked, so the villagers were all amazed seeing women coming out to build houses. On the second day, the women in the village started coming out to help build as well, and the men also chip in. Our presence there- brings a certain transformation too.

Question, why must people pay for their houses? This helps them to take responsibility of their house. There were examples of NGOs that went into villages and then build the houses, and 1-2 years later, the place just looked like a high class slum. Actually, houses are not that expensive. In some places, if a household manages to collect 3 chicken eggs per day, he may be able to pay for a house in 6 years time. This kind of incentive encourages the villagers to work as well, knowing that for their work, they will be able to own a house after some years. Many even move on to higher paying jobs. Habitat also works with other NGOs and microfinance firms to help the poor.

Well, this concept of the people paying back must mean that one day Habitat will become self sustainable. But no, the reason being, the number of houses being built increases exponentially, and furthermore, not everyone repays their loans. Money also goes to advocacy work.

And then I begin to ponder about another thing. Social Entrepreneurship is a wonderful concept that helps people to become self sustainable, but question is can we ever leave the model of outright charitable donations? Hmm. Probably not. People still have needs. People will still need the freebies. But how can we best give to them and teach them too, to that people can live dignified lives.

Another thing, these days the discussion on donor fatigue and how we expect VWOs to utilise our donations wisely. Low salaries pls, don't use our money for administrative purposes or too much on fund raising expenses. Ofcos, golden taps are way out. But then are we so self righteous to simply stand on the other side and accuse people of making too much money? Someone close to me is going to start working in church, and then the in-charged promises they will try to match her current salary, tho it prob wun be possible. Which on one hand seems fair enough, on the other hand I think, I will be worried if they can match the salary. So which side are you on? Are fair wages fair for fair work? (The word is "fair", and how much is really "fair")

What exactly helps people get out of poverty? Recently been reading economist online, and there are pretty interesting articles that tackle global issues. Taking half day off tmr as well as monday. Just need a good break for myself. Nothing better than to curl up at the library and READ!! Some time to watch silly Korean dramas too.

Yeah...I'm becoming a kind of a bookworm. Actually not really too. Starting to try and meet up with long lost friends. Most recently met up with 2 sec sch classmates, and it was enjoyable despite the different backgrounds and careers paths we are on now. Was interesting to listen abt the civil service and...umm..hmm..I felt comparatively quite thankful for my job. But prob that's a generalisation too. I think it is important when relating to people, to suspense judgment, and to see them with our hearts. The concept of the "other" often is reinforced by our lack of interaction with them. Though people may have different choices from us, I think we learn to love, and to see people beyond the issues we disagree with them about.